Planning delay for Gary Neville's 'Teletubbie' house

Manchester United skipper Gary Neville's plans to build a futuristic 'eco-bunker' home have been put on hold so councillors can visit the site. The proposals – which have been recommended for approval – were due to be discussed by Bolton council's planning committee yesterday, but discussions have been deferred for a site visit.

Manchester United skipper Gary Neville's plans to build a futuristic 'eco-bunker' home have been put on hold so councillors can visit the site.

The proposals – which have been recommended for approval – were due to be discussed by Bolton council's planning committee yesterday, but discussions have been deferred for a site visit.

Councillors will now visit the sprawling area of moorland between Bolton and Bury on June 24. A decision could be made at a committee meeting later that day.

However, campaigning residents in nearby Affetside say Neville, 34, has scored an own goal with the plans and are taking legal advice in a bid to stop the project.

The eco-friendly home, which is being highlighted as a flagship example of zero-carbon living, would be built into the moorland so grass would 'flow seamlessly' over the 8,000 sq ft design. It takes the shape of a flower, with six off-shoots like petals housing bedrooms, bathrooms, a swimming pool, a gym, plush offices, dining rooms and a car garage. The centre of the 'flower' would be a kitchen.

However, the property, thought to be worth about £6m, has been likened to the home of children's television favourites the Teletubbies.

Residents have formed the Affetside Society and organised a series of public meetings and petitions to fight the plans.

The area is protected greenbelt land, but planning polices would allow the development if councillors agree that there are 'exceptional' circumstances because the design is 'truly outstanding or breathtaking'. If approved, the plans are expected to be referred to a government inspector because of the greenbelt issue.

Residents said a report commissioned by Neville into the area's wildlife failed to take into account a bird survey. They have also criticised a series of noise impact assessments.

The Affetside Society revealed it was now taking legal advice from a top QC and said it had appointed its own experts to carry out studies into the plans.

Chairman Joanne Wilcock said: “The Affetside Society is disappointed that Bolton council does not appear to be challenging any of the reports produced by the applicant.

“The Affetside Society has found that every report submitted with the application has not borne up to any scrutiny when checked for us by industry professionals and I am shocked that Bolton planning authority has not checked the energy and sustainability report, as the application seems to hinge on the ‘eco-friendly’ nature of this application.

“We are hoping that if Bolton council is minded to approve this application, that it will then be referred to the Secretary of State for a robust and in-depth public enquiry. That should go some way to reassure the 114 concerned neighbours who have objected to Mr Neville’s plans.”

The house would be powered by wind turbine and underground heat pumps.